NSTU Labour Action – Information for Parents & Guardians

NSTU beginning strike activity on December 5th

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union has announced that it intends to begin a strike action on Monday, December 5th at all schools in Nova Scotia.

The NSTU has described the strike activity as a work-to-rule: Teachers will continue to teach in classrooms. Teachers have been directed by the NSTU to stop any extracurricular activities like concerts, coaching teams or supervising clubs; field trips will not go ahead. To be clear, this means that all holiday concerts, field trips and extra-curricular activities (whether planned for the afternoon, evening or during the school day) are cancelled as of December 5th and during the period of strike activity.

SchoolsPlus programming will continue during the planned strike action by the NSTU. Community use of schools will also continue, as we are able, for those organizations with signed facility use permits.

Changes to Morning Arrival / Afternoon DepartureThe NSTU has also stated that teachers will arrive 20 minutes before school and leave 20 minutes after.

Morning arrival time at every school is 20 minutes before the first bell. Students who walk to school or are dropped off by a parent or guardian cannot arrive before this time. At the end of the school day, students who walk or are picked up by a parent or guardian cannot remain longer than 20 minutes after the final bell. Supervision will not be provided to students who walk or are dropped-off outside of these times.

More Information More details about the impact of the NSTU’s strike activity will be available in the coming days.

Messages to parents and guardians may also be issued via text and email through the Alert system. If you are not yet signed up for Alert through your child’s school now would be a good time to do so. Contact your school office to begin this process.

Exam Exemptions

Exam Exemption Criteria (Revised November 27, 2015)

Students may be eligible for an examination exemption from one examination per semester so long as the following conditions are met:

1. A student who has any unexcused absence in any course will not be considered for an exemption.

While it is not possible to make an exhaustive list, the following are examples of excusable and un-excusable absences:

Excused Absence:

Excused by parent

Medical excuse (for specific date)

Unexcused Absence:

An absence with no written excuse or contact from parent

Truancy

Missed the bus

2. A student is required to provide excuses for all classes for which they are absent. A written note, email, or verbal contact by parent, indicating the reason for the absence, is expected within five (5) school days of the student returning to school.

3. A student shall not accumulate any more than six (6) excused absences in any course in which the student is enrolled.

4. Classes missed due to co-curricular and extracurricular activities are not classified as absences. However, schools should monitor the number of classes individual students miss due to co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

5. Any student who has accumulated any out-of-school suspensions is not eligible for an exam exemption in that semester.

6. Repetitive lateness for classes will be addressed through the Provincial School Code of Conduct as an Unacceptable Behaviour (Insubordination) and may result in the loss of the eligibility of examination exemption as a school privilege.

7. All major assessment components (other than the final assessment/examination) in each of the courses which s/he is enrolled must be complete.

8. A student cannot be exempt from a CCRSB examination except on the terms laid down by the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board.

9. A student cannot be exempt from a Nova Scotia Examination except on the terms laid down by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. These may be found on the Program of Learning Assessment for Nova Scotia website available online at http://plans.ednet.ns.ca.

10. A student cannot be exempt from an examination in a year where in the following year a Nova Scotia Examination or CCRSB Examination is given.

NOTE:For January 2016 and June 2016, students enrolled in Mathematics 11 and Mathematics Pre-Calculus 11 are not permitted to exempt the examination.

The CCRSB Mathematics 12 examination has been deferred for the 2015/16 school year due to new curriculum implementation.

11. A student cannot be exempt from any examination related to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program or Advanced Placement (AP) program.

12. A student cannot be exempt from any NSVS examination except on the terms laid down by the Nova Scotia Virtual School.

13. If a student is exempt from an exam, the student's term or final mark (usually out of 70%), is converted to a score out of 100%. There is no redistribution of weighting among other categories within the 70% term mark.

14. A student who earns an examination exemption but chooses to write the examination may take the mark reflected by the higher of the two options. In other words, the examination mark would be included in the calculation of the final grade if a higher grade is the result. If the examination results in a lower grade, the examination mark is not included in the calculation on the term’s work.

Please note:

There are circumstances where principals are able to not count excusable absences.

When a student is absent due to a death in the immediate family [maximum # of days is five (5)] the absence will not be counted. Immediate family is defined as parent/ guardian, step-parent, spouse, sibling, grandparent, aunt, and uncle. Immediate family shall be determined in particular cultural contexts, as required.

When a student is absent due to a verifiable religious observance, the absence will not be counted.

When a student is absent due to National Aboriginal Day (June 21) and/or Treaty Day (October 1).

When a student is absent as a direct result of legal obligations which are supported by court subpoenas or appropriate documentation, the absence will not be counted.

When a student, with a chronic illness, has an appointment(s) with a physician who is a specialist, (medical or dental), or mental health care professional who is a specialist, the principal will not need to count these excusable absence(s). Principals must receive proof of appointment in advance of any such absence

When a student is a participant in a provincial, national, or international sporting, fine arts, or leadership event (excluding team tryouts and practices) or when a student is absent as a result of participation in an educational opportunity as deemed appropriate by the school administration, the absence will not be counted.

When a CCRSB/private contractor is unable to provide conveyance the absence will not be counted.

June 17, 2015 -- The traditional GRAD BASKETBALL Competition was played today with the Grads taking down the Teachers/Police with a one basket lead. The Grads put a scare into the Teachers/Police with their incredible team huddle. There was fear in the eyes of the adults--not to mention their exposed shaking knees. Yet in the end, after many red faces and lots of laughs, it was a great time for all. "It was kind of them to make us look so good," stated one enthusiastic staff member.

The HTT12 students and their teacher, Mr. K. Gould, decided it was important to do something with the leftover wood after building their shed. The result--planter tables and chairs. Below you can see the fun chair that was built.

June 11, 2015 -- Drs. Rachna Minocha and Rick Mckenney have been great supporters of Amherst. In 2014 they, along with their hard working organizing committee, decided to take things a step further by organizing an annual Valentine Run in an effort to support local running/health promotion throughout the year.

In both 2014 and again in 2015, ARHS was awarded a $500 grant to help promote sports. This money is awarded to youth who wish to be involved with sport but may be having some financial difficulty. All ARHS youth who may have a financial need are encouraged to speak with your coach, the Athletic Director or an administrator in the office. Never say never. There is help available.

ARHS thanks the Valentine Run Coordinating committee and all of the volunteers (ARHS youth and staff included) who helped make the run possible. Your time, energy and talent has created something quite special in our community. Thank you for thinking of us.

une10, 2015 -- 2014-2015 was another eventful year made special for many reasons; especially because another fantastic group of International students selected Amherst as their destination of choice for their academic year. On Wednesday, participating students were awarded their NS Cerficates by Principal, Pamela Hoar, and their Faculty Advisor, Mr. Stephen Blum. We are proud to have a welcoming school where all international students help to enrich our "global classrooms" while they are being enriched by our school, community and province.

Thank you for making ARHS your home for the past year/semester. While you were learning, we were learning. Safe travels. [Photos to come.]

Notices

CCRSB

Announcements

NSTU Labour Action – Information for Parents & Guardians

NSTU beginning strike activity on December 5th

The Nova Scotia Teachers Union has announced that it intends to begin a strike action on Monday, December 5th at all schools in Nova Scotia.

The NSTU has described the strike activity as a work-to-rule: Teachers will continue to teach in classrooms. Teachers have been directed by the NSTU to stop any extracurricular activities like concerts, coaching teams or supervising clubs; field trips will not go ahead. To be clear, this means that all holiday concerts, field trips and extra-curricular activities (whether planned for the afternoon, evening or during the school day) are cancelled as of December 5th and during the period of strike activity.

SchoolsPlus programming will continue during the planned strike action by the NSTU. Community use of schools will also continue, as we are able, for those organizations with signed facility use permits.

Changes to Morning Arrival / Afternoon DepartureThe NSTU has also stated that teachers will arrive 20 minutes before school and leave 20 minutes after.

Morning arrival time at every school is 20 minutes before the first bell. Students who walk to school or are dropped off by a parent or guardian cannot arrive before this time. At the end of the school day, students who walk or are picked up by a parent or guardian cannot remain longer than 20 minutes after the final bell. Supervision will not be provided to students who walk or are dropped-off outside of these times.

More Information More details about the impact of the NSTU’s strike activity will be available in the coming days.

Messages to parents and guardians may also be issued via text and email through the Alert system. If you are not yet signed up for Alert through your child’s school now would be a good time to do so. Contact your school office to begin this process.

from the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

Potential Job Action by the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU)

November 22, 2016

Within the next two weeks, teachers and other NSTU member employees, including principals and vice-principals, will decide whether to proceed with job action. While the province and the NSTU are returning to the bargaining table, this does not stop the countdown period to job action. The NSTU will be in a legal strike position as early as Saturday, December3rd. In practical terms, the earliest possible strike date is Monday, December 5th.

We fully appreciate talk of any type of labor disruption can cause concern and uncertainty. The following information is being provided to update you on the current situation with the NSTU and to help you plan for your family should the NSTU decide to take job action.

When can teachers go on strike?

The earliest any job action can occur is Monday, December 5th.

Will there be any advance notice?

The NSTU must give the Minister of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before any job action can occur. Job action may not happen immediately following the conclusion of the 48 hour time period. It may not happen at all.

Will you know what type of job action the NSTU will take?

The NSTU is not required to give notice of what kind of job action they will take. They are also not required to provide the specific date and time of when job action may occur.

What type of job action can occur?

Job action can take a variety of approaches. Some examples include a province-wide

strike and a work-to-rule. Work-to-rule is when employees continue to work but refuse to

do certain activities outside of their contractual job requirements. In the case of teachers, this can include no longer supporting extracurricular activities.

If teachers strike, will schools close?

If there is a full withdrawal of services, schools could close. We will be in a better position to answer this question in the coming weeks. It is important to make a plan to prepare for the possibility your child may be out of school.

What will happen if teachers work-to-rule?

There may be changes to student drop off and/or pick up times and changes to lunch

time supervision. It is likely extra-curricular activities will be canceled. Other programs areexpected to be impacted including after school programs. We will be in a better positionto answer this question more specifically in the coming weeks.

How will I know if my child’s school is impacted by a teacher strike,

work-to-rule or any other form of job action?

It is very important that students, parents and guardians carefully monitor their school

boards’ communications through websites, Facebook, social media, handouts from

school and through the regular media outlets. Your school boards will notify you as soon

as they are made aware of any potential interruption in the school day. It is important to

note that they may have short notice.

What should I do to prepare?

Start planning for the possibility that your child may not be attending classes and/or

before and after school activities after December 5.

Your school board and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

are working collaboratively to plan for any potential job action. We will continue to provide you with updates as the situation evolves and more specific information becomes available.

Information for Parents and Guardians from the Department of Education and Early Childhood DevelopmentOctober 27, 2016On Tuesday, October 25, the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU) voted in favour of a strike. The earliest NSTU members can take any form of job action is December 3, 2016. Potential job actions can range from a province-wide strike to work-to-rule.The government will continue to work with the NSTU and is committed to addressing teacher working and student learning conditions. A new partnership working group, comprised of representatives from the NSTU, school boards and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, will have their first meeting within the next two weeks to continue to talk about the important issues facing teacher working and student learning conditions.We understand that talk of any labour disruption can result in anxiety and concern for students and their families. Should a job action occur, every effort will be made to minimize disruptions to your child’s education.As the situation evolves, updates will be available through www.ednet.ns.ca and @nseducation on Twitter.

Welcome back to another school year. By this time, you will have settled down to the routine of classes, homework, etc.

Since you are in your final year in high school, it is important that you have as much information as possible to help you to make the transition from school to work or post-secondary education smoothly.

I. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

If you plan on graduating this year, you should check your credits to make certain that you will have the necessary credits. You were given a Graduation Application & Credit Check and asked to return it to Guidance if there were errors. The Guidance Department will also be checking, but you also have a responsibility to ensure that you are meeting graduation requirements.

II. UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS

An integral part of the career education programs for graduating students is the opportunity to listen to representatives from the various post secondary institutions. This will be your first contact with those institutions where you will get first hand information about their courses, admissions procedures, scholarships, etc.

We are having representatives from most of the Atlantic universities and community colleges visit the school on Thursday, November 10th, 9:00am – 11:20am. Grade 12 students will participate in break-out sessions. There will be an opportunity for both parents/guardians and students (grades 9-12) to attend an evening session scheduled for Wednesday, November 9th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm in the gymnasium.

Many universities and private colleges will make individual visits to our school looking to speak to those students interested in their school. Listen to the announcements or Like J it on the ARHS Facebook page. We encourage these institutions to come during our lunch time where interested students can drop by and visit on their off time. (MTA-Sept. 27; UNB-Sept. 30; MSVU-Oct. 11; MUN-Nov. 10; SMU-Nov. 17)

The RCMP recruiting team will not be making local career presentations this year. The closest location will be Dieppe, New Brunswick. See Mr. Van Snick for further details if you are interested in RCMP.

If any student is interested in Canadian Forces Recruiting let Mr. Van Snick or Mrs. Anderson know. With enough interest they will come to our school.

III. VISITS TO POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS

Another important aspect of our Career Education Program is a follow-up visit to the university, college, etc., of your choice. This gives you the opportunity to attend lectures and actually investigate the facilities on your own. Most importantly, you have the chance to meet with the professors and to talk to the students themselves and get their impressions on all the major aspects of student life: academic, social and cultural. If you are interested in visiting any post-secondary institution, we can give you contact information. However, you will have to make arrangements for your school absence and for your own transportation. Pay attention for Open House announcements. DAL – (Halifax, Oct. 22 - Truro, Oct 29); MSVU – Nov. 13; SMU – Oct. 28 & Nov. 19 and 24; UNB (Fredericton – Oct. 15) (Saint John – Oct. 22); MTA – Oct. 14; Acadia – Oct. 21 & Nov. 4; Crandall – Nov. 21, MUN (Grenfell Campus, Oct. 17); UKings – Oct. 22; STU – Nov. 5; STFX – book online; Holland College – Nov. 5 & Feb. 4 (Campus tours); NSCC – Test Drive dates on nscc.ca or Open House – Oct. 18 (waive application fee).

IV.APPLICATION PROCESS

Application forms for admission to universities/colleges may be obtained from the individual school websites.

UNIVERSITY:

Ordinarily your application should not be submitted until after you have obtained your first semester marks, however, most universities do offer early admission. Early admission is only for those students who have a minimum of 80% average in their grade 11 year. If you do apply early, you need to submit your 1st semester grades as well, once report cards have been distributed. Up-to-date calendars and viewbooks are available to look at in the guidance office for most universities and colleges across Canada. Remember that a minimum average of 70% is required for admission to most universities. You should be aware that an average of 70% does not guarantee admission. For many programs, the cut off average is much higher.

NSCC:

Application process is open continuously once a student starts grade 11. Some programs are already full for 2017-2018 while some are wait-listed and others still open. Seats are filled on a first qualified, first served basis. See the website for program openings. www.nscc.ca/admissions/applying/program_openings

V.SCHOLARSHIPS

University/NSCC:

An average of 80% and greater on courses needed for admission qualifies, in most cases, for an entrance award. The higher the average (increments of 5%) the higher the offer. NSCC also has an entrance award (1 per campus) covering 1st year tuition, you must apply in writing for this award.

ARHS Local Scholarships/Bursaries:

There are over one hundred local scholarships and bursaries available to ARHS graduating students. These applications have due dates in the Spring. We will have an assembly to go over these prior to March Break.

Check the ARHS website, ARHS Facebook page, the Guidance Bulletin Boards, and listen to announcements regarding other scholarships with an earlier deadline. For example, the following scholarships are now on the PowerSchool Daily Bulletin:

NOTE: Please complete a Guidance Information Sheet (also found on the ARHS Website - http://arhs.ccrsb.ca/ - this will state your activities during your high school years – including school and community activities and positions held. Once completed, please give a copy to the guidance office to be held on file. This will become your application for many of the local scholarship and bursaries that do not require individual application. It will also serve as a guide when providing students with reference letters.

VI.TRANSCRIPTS

Sign a sheet (name and number of copies needed) on the front desk in the main office to have transcripts prepared. No cost for transcript for grade 12 students. NOTE: Before you send a transcript, be sure to check it over carefully! You are responsible to notify a Guidance Counsellor of any errors or omissions.

VII.ENCOUNTERS WITH CANADA/FORUM FOR YOUNG CANADIANS

Each year a number of students from this school join thousands of others from across Canada for a one-week

program at the Terry Fox Center, Ottawa. There are thirteen different themes from which to choose. The “Forum experience” brings students to Ottawa for an intensive academic adventure that immerses them in the exciting world of national politics and public affairs. Most students are able to find sponsors to cover their share of the cost of the program. For further information and application forms, please contact the guidance office. Space is limited. You must be 14-17 years of age at start of the week you attend. See Mrs. Anderson in Guidance. Visit: www.ewc-rdc.ca

.

VIII.TIPS

We would like to give you a few tips which might help to make your career decisions a little easier:

Use the Guidance Resource Room and the Library, which contain pamphlets, booklets, calendars, etc. Most of this material can be signed out for a few days.

Check the Web for information on universities, scholarships, careers, etc.

Talk to people who are engaged in the career that interests you.

Discuss your plans with your parents, teachers and counsellor.

Volunteer in your area of interest, get a part-time job/summer job.

IX.FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Undergraduate Studies – Programs leading to the first university degree (4 year degree) – i.e. B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science), B.Comm. (Bachelor of Commerce), B.B.A. (Bachelor of Business Administration), are usually four years long. Some, such as B.Eng. (Bachelor of Engineering) and Co-op programs may take five years.

2nd Degree/Graduate Studies – These are degrees after completion of some or all of a first degree i.e.: L.L.B. (Law), M.D. (Medicine), D.D.S. (Dentistry), B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education), M.A. (Master of Arts), Ph.D. (Doctorate), M.S.W. (Social Work), and M.L.S. (Library Science). A Ph.D. (Doctorate) follows completion of a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.

This is only a brief summary of the degrees available. Further information including admission requirements, etc. is available in the guidance office.

X.CONCLUSION

In closing, we want to wish each of you a successful year. We hope that this year at A.R.H.S. will be a memorable one for you. We intend to meet with each of you individually to discuss your plans.

If you want to see us in the meantime, please make an appointment in the main office. Feel free to come in and discuss any concerns – whether educational or otherwise. The guidance office, which is located down the hall from the Main Office, is open from 8:30am to 3:00pm.